Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

GRACE

“Are you sure about this?” Emily, my sister-in-law, asks. “I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled for you, but... a wedding? After only three weeks?” I can't help but smile as I glance down at the simple diamond ring on my finger.

“I know it sounds crazy, Em. But when you know, you know. And I know Luke is the one for me.”

“Well, if anyone deserves a whirlwind romance, it's you, sweetie,” she says with a sigh. “I just wish Jason and I could be there in person.”

“Me too,” I admit, a pang of sadness hitting me. “But we'll do something bigger when you guys can make it back to the States. This is just... us making it official.”

As if summoned by my thoughts, Luke appears in the doorway, his eyes darkening as they roam over me. “Gotta go, Em,” I say quickly. “I'll call you after, okay?”

“Congrats again, sweetie,” she says before I end the call and set my phone aside, unable to tear my eyes away from Luke.

He's wearing a simple white button-down shirt with dark jeans, and he looks devastatingly handsome. “You ready for this, baby?” he asks, his voice low and gravelly as he crosses the room to me.

I nod, my throat suddenly dry. “More than ready.”

Luke pulls me to my feet, his hands settling on my hips. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his eyes taking in the simple white sundress I chose for our wedding.

“You don't look so bad yourself,” I tease, running my hands up his chest.

Luke growls softly, leaning down to capture my lips in a searing kiss. “If we don't leave now,” he says, his voice rough, “we might not make it to our own wedding.”

I laugh. “Well, we can’t have that.”

The drive to the chapel is quick, and before I know it, we're standing in front of the preacher. My hands are clasped in Luke's as he recites his vows. “I, Luke Mackenzie, take you, Grace Anderson, to be my lawfully wedded wife,” he says, his voice strong and sure. “I promise to love you, protect you, and cherish you for all the days of my life.”

Tears prick at my eyes as I say my vows, and when the preacher pronounces us husband and wife, Luke pulls me into his arms and kisses me deeply.

“I love you, Mrs. Mackenzie,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I love you too, Mr. Mackenzie,” I reply, my heart so full I feel like it might burst.

As we leave the chapel, hand in hand, I can't help but marvel at how quickly life can change. Three weeks ago, I was running scared, and now, I'm married to the most amazing man I've ever known.

Once we make it back to the cabin, Luke scoops me up in his arms and carries me over the threshold. “Welcome home, wife,” he says, his eyes twinkling with joy.

“I like the sound of that,” I grin, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Luke gently sets me down on my feet, and his hands come up to cup my face. “I meant every word of my vows, Gracie,” he says softly. “I will always protect you, always love you.”

“I know,” I whisper, leaning into his touch. “And I meant every word too. You're it for me, Luke. Forever.”

As his lips come down to meet mine in a passionate kiss, I know that we’ve defied the odds and found love in the most unexpected place, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Luke pulls away, his forehead pressed to mine. “I need to fuck my wife.”

“I like the way you think, husband.”

With that, he lifts me back up into his arms and carries me to our bedroom. When he lays me down on the bed, his eyes storming with desire, I know my story here in North Carolina is just beginning.

The End.